Orgy

Vapor Transmission (Warner)

Orgy made its name with their debut album Candyass and hit cover "Blue Monday." But Orgy is a strange breed, mixing alternative angst with a dramatically unique science fiction sound that harks back to the '80s, aux accents and all. This brand of self-labelled "death-pop" makes references to the "Message from Opticon/Blast from the fashion bomb" almost believable. This is the new millennium after all, right? But while Orgy's new album Vapor Transmission is nothing but innovative, the novelty soon wears after their deservedly well-made hit "Fiction (Dreams in Digital)," which brings the issue of permanent digital stasis to the forefront of music. Apparently, though, music lacks a certain amount of diversity even in the year 3000. While themes differ from the admiration found in "Eva" to the derision in "Suckerface," soon the production values of death-pop overtake whatever substance is to be found in the album: one can take a rehash of New Wave for only so long.

Nevertheless, sweep away all the polish and the result is a servicable alternative album for the Goth-set crowd, with nihilistic overtones to suit the so inclined. However, for those who view New Order as an unfortunate bump in the road during the Reagan era may want to stay away from Orgy's sophomore effort. B- -Jimmy Zha

Bruce Hornsby

Here Come the Noise Makers (RCA)

Bruce Hornsby's new live album Here Come the Noise Makers combines his classic hits such as "The Way It Is" and "Mandolin Rain" with an entirely new sound. Although parts of the Bruce Hornsby and the Range signature style still remain, the backing band has changed dramatically, with more brass and a little bit more edge to the rhythm section. (For those of you who have no clue who Bruce Hornsby is, the piano line in Tupac's "Changes" is a sample from "The Way It Is.") Also, Hornsby's singing style has become much looser and much more soulful.

The live sound (recorded last year) and the piano improvisations before almost every song bring energy and freshness to old favorites such as "Mandolin Rain" and the poignant "Road Not Taken." And the combination of piano artistry and heavy lyrics on "The Way It Is" that won Hornsby a Grammy in 1986 still delivers a powerful punch. New additions to the Hornsby repertoire include "The End of the Innocence," which, although co-penned by Hornsby, was originally recorded by Don Henley. Overall, Here Come the Noise Makers presents both a retrospective of Hornsby's 15-year musical career and puts an old friend in a whole new light. B+ -Krisa R. Benskin

Sonny Rollins

This Is What I Do (Fantasy Jazz)